Broken Hill is unlike anywhere else in Australia. This remote mining city in far western NSW, closer to Adelaide than Sydney, sits on the edge of the outback and has evolved into one of Australia's most unlikely art destinations. The combination of vast desert landscapes, extraordinary light, a thriving arts community, and genuine outback character makes it a fascinating and rewarding place to visit.
Getting There
Broken Hill is seriously remote: 1,150 kilometres west of Sydney (about 13 hours by car) and 510 kilometres northeast of Adelaide (about 5.5 hours). The most practical way to get there is to fly - REX Airlines operates daily flights from Sydney and Adelaide to Broken Hill Airport. If you're driving, the Barrier Highway from Sydney or the Barrier Highway from Adelaide are both sealed roads through stunning outback landscapes. The Indian Pacific railway also stops at Broken Hill on its Sydney-Perth route.
Getting Around
Broken Hill's town centre is compact and walkable, with most galleries, cafes, and shops on or near Argent Street. However, you'll need a car for the Living Desert, Silverton, and surrounding attractions. Car hire is available at the airport and in town. Some attractions like Silverton are on unsealed roads, so check conditions after rain. Broken Hill runs on Central Standard Time (South Australian time), not NSW Eastern time - despite being in NSW.
The Living Desert & Sculptures
The Living Desert is Broken Hill's most iconic attraction. Located on a hilltop 9 kilometres from town, 12 sandstone sculptures created by artists from around the world stand dramatically against the vast outback sky. The sculptures are best visited at sunset when the light turns the desert golden and the sky explodes with colour. It's one of the most photogenic spots in Australia. There are also walking trails through the surrounding desert flora sanctuary.
Art Galleries
Broken Hill has more art galleries per capita than almost any town in Australia:
- Pro Hart Gallery: The late Pro Hart is Broken Hill's most famous artist. His gallery showcases his distinctive, colourful paintings of outback life alongside his extensive art collection (he collected everything from Picasso to Indigenous art).
- The Silver City Art Centre: A cooperative gallery showcasing works by local artists.
- Albert Kersten Mining & Minerals Museum: Not strictly art, but the mineral collection is stunning - Broken Hill's ores are some of the most beautiful in the world.
- Numerous small galleries: The town has dozens of small galleries and studios. Many artists open their studios to visitors - ask at the visitor centre for the latest studio trail map.
Silverton
Silverton, a semi-ghost town 25 kilometres northwest of Broken Hill, is perhaps the most photographed small town in Australia. With a population of about 50, it's been the filming location for over 140 movies and TV shows, including Mad Max 2. The main attractions are:
- Silverton Hotel: An iconic outback pub that's been in almost as many movies as it has served beers. Cold drinks, tall tales, and an astonishing wall of memorabilia.
- Mad Max Museum: A small museum dedicated to the Mad Max films, with replica vehicles and movie memorabilia.
- Mundi Mundi Lookout: About 10 minutes past Silverton, this lookout offers a view over the Mundi Mundi Plains - a flat, treeless expanse that stretches to the horizon in every direction. It's where the curvature of the Earth becomes visible. Utterly mesmerising.
The Palace Hotel
This heritage pub in the centre of Broken Hill is famous for its extraordinary murals - massive, colourful paintings covering every wall and ceiling, created by various artists over the decades. It featured in the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Even if you don't stay, pop in for a drink and take in the surroundings.
Mining Heritage
Broken Hill exists because of mining. The Line of Lode, the massive ore body that runs through the centre of town, has been mined continuously since 1883 and produced millions of tonnes of silver, lead, and zinc. The Line of Lode Miners Memorial on the hilltop is a moving tribute to the miners who lost their lives. Day Line Mine tours take you underground into a working mine environment.
Where to Eat
- Bells Milk Bar: A perfectly preserved 1940s milk bar serving old-fashioned milkshakes, spiders, and toasted sandwiches. Step back in time.
- The Palace Hotel: Classic pub meals in the famous muralled dining room. Schnitzel and a beer is the go.
- Astra: Broken Hill's best restaurant, offering modern Australian cuisine. Mains $28-38.
- Silly Goat: Excellent coffee and brunch in a converted shopfront. Dishes $12-22.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Imperial Hotel (heritage pub rooms), Broken Hill Tourist Park.
- Mid-Range: The Royal Exchange Hotel (beautifully restored heritage hotel), The Lodge Motel.
- Luxury: Emaroo Cottages (self-contained heritage miners' cottages, beautifully restored), or stay at a remote outback station.
Practical Tips
- Time Zone: Broken Hill operates on Central Australian Time (Adelaide time), half an hour behind Sydney, despite being in NSW. This catches many visitors off guard. - Weather: Hot, dry summers (40°C+ is common from December to February) and cold, clear winters. The best times to visit are autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable. The outback light is extraordinary year-round. - Stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes Broken Hill one of the best stargazing locations in Australia. The Living Desert at night is incredible. - Fuel & Supplies: Fill up your car and stock up on water before exploring the surrounding area. Distances are vast and services are limited. - Corner Country: From Broken Hill, you can venture into the remote Corner Country - Tibooburra, Cameron Corner (where NSW, QLD, and SA meet), and the stunning Sturt National Park.
AUBIS Tip
: Broken Hill is a genuine outback adventure. Use AUBIS to plan a long weekend itinerary including the Living Desert at sunset, a Silverton day trip with lunch at the Silverton Hotel, a gallery walk through town, and a visit to the Mundi Mundi Plains. The platform helps you schedule around the extreme outback heat and distances.